My name is John Wieser and I have just earned my Masters in Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My interests in architecture are balanced between practice and theory, with specific interests in new media incorporation, digital fabrication, and integrative building design.
I just finished a two-year teaching assistantship at Illinois, where I taught sophomore year design studio. Previously I have interned at PGAV, Inc in St. Louis, Aumiller Youngquist, P.C., in Chicago, and Walt Disney Imagineering, in Anaheim. My project experience is focused mainly in concept and schematic design, and I have worked on projects for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts, The Disneyland Resort, Marriott Corporation, and Lettuce Entertain You.
While my design philosophy is rooted in contextualism, I believe that rigorous exploration of site conditions, research, and incorporation of theoretical principles are required to expose new programmatic, formal, and social possibilities. I am especially interested in the potential for incorporated media to impact the way people interact with space and one another.
I am enthusiastic, industrious, and thrive in high-energy work environments. I welcome challenges, enjoy taking on responsibility, and am versatile in my problem solving and design processes. I learn quickly.
My interests outside of architecture include traveling, teaching, foreign language, roller coasters, food/cooking, reading, and print design.
I would love to meet you to discuss my work, opportunities, architecture, and anything else.
I hope you enjoy my work!
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, US, Teaching Assistant / Instructor - Architectural Design
Lead sections of approximately 15 students through design exercises, coordinate classroom activities and manage organizational tasks and grading of assignments.
Peckham, Guyton Albers & Veits, Inc., Saint Louis, MO, US, Architectural Intern
Undertook schematic design for the redesign of an existing building as part of an overall scheme for a major upcoming animal habitat renovation and expansion for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts.
Prepared architectural drawings, renderings, illustrations, sketch analyses, study models, industrial design proposals, material quantity take-offs, and client presentations.
Walt Disney Imagineering, Anaheim, CA, US, Business Associate - Show Quality & Standards
Carried out site analysis, conducted space studies, and developed shop drawings for set piece construction in preparation for temporary attraction installation based on a then-upcoming major motion picture.
Analyzed existing space for utilization as project field offices for a major attraction renovation at Disneyland Resort.
Developed ADA-compliant solutions in response to Cal-OSHA investigative issues.
Worked on various small-scale schematic and themed design projects.
Aumiller Youngquist, P.C., Architects & Designers, Chicago, IL, US, Architectural Intern
Contributed to schematic design for a themed hotel, sports, and water park complex.
Chose interior finishes and carried out archival CAD work for Marriott Chicago UIC Campus Renovation.
Rendered and Illustrated architectural drawings for several projects (Marriot Chicago UIC/Rush Medical District, Hickory Creek Resort, Sullivan's Steak House).
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, US, MArch, Master of Architecture, First Professional Degree
Architecture graduate student with focus in design, issues related to new media, building systems integration (tall buildings and laboratories), and programming of complex buildings
Teaching assistant/instructor for sophomore design studio (2010-2012)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, US, Bachelors, Architectural Studies
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies
+ Significant coursework in French Language
Ryerson Traveling Award, UIUC School of Architecture, Honorable Mention
Award recognizes high achievement in graduate architectural design studio.
Submission: eco[sublime] - The Grimsel Hydroelectric Dam Project
Graduate Design Award - AIA Chicago Student Design Award(Pending), Nomination
Currently nominated for submission (one of 4 nominees from UIUC), awaiting results of jury.
anonymous.d - "The Next Anonymous Designer" Competition - January, Honorable Mention
Award recognizes inventive small scale design - Submission: "Low Resolution Chair"
Walt Disney Imagineering ImagiNations Competition, Finalist, Other
Finalist Team (1 of 6)
Awards design, development, and presentation of an amusement park attraction
Submission: "TRON: Gridlock"
Competition finalists are invited to compete in finals round at WDI headquarters in Glendale, CA
Earl Prize - Design, UIUC School of Architecture, Award
Award highlights excellent achievement in comprehensive design, integration of building systems and components, and response to site-specific circumstances
Submission: The Network - Chicago
Eagle Scout, Award
BSA - Troop 335, Palatine, Illinois
DaimlerChrysler Build Your Dream Vehicle Competition, 2nd Place
Comprehensive proposal for a concept automobile, including design, cost analysis, safety, advertising, and visualization (modeling)
